Cops dispute homicide ruling in man's death

March 09, 2009

A police investigation into the recent death of a 90-year-old Steger man has not turned up evidence supporting a ruling by the Cook County medical examiner's office that he was a victim of elder abuse, Steger Police Chief Richard Stultz said today.

The medical examiner's office last week ruled the case a homicide and said Joseph F. Basile died March 3 from dehydration and elder abuse.

But witnesses told police Basile's family took care of him "the best they could," Stultz said, adding that a hospice nurse was at his home every day.

Basile had told his family he wanted to die at home, Stultz said. "They did everything they could to make sure he didn't go back to a hospital," the chief said.

Steger Fire Department paramedics transported Basile from his home on the 3500 block of John Street on Feb. 28 after a neighbor reported finding him duct-taped to a living room chair.

Stultz said the family acknowledged taping Basile but told police they were following doctor's orders to restrain him from moving about freely and possibly hurting himself. Basile suffered from cancer and dementia.

Caregivers also told police they placed gauze between Basile's arms and the duct tape to protect his skin. A dog leash found at the scene was used as a lap belt, Stultz said.

Stultz said Basile, whose wife, Bessie, died on Feb. 8, "was never, ever left alone without an adult being there." Stultz also dismissed the issue of dehydration, suggesting it was based on "misinformation."

Several calls to the pathologists handling the case were not returned. The Will County state's attorney's office said the case was still under investigation.

The Cook County medical examiner's office handled the case because Basile, who lived in the Will County portion of Steger, died at St. James Hospital in Chicago Heights.

Stultz said police talked to everyone who had any contact with the man at his home. "We've also interviewed two hospice nurses and have asked for and received copies of (medical) records," Stultz said.